Would you like to work on your reaction speed, fitness or martial arts techniques? Then we’ve got just the thing for you!
We have had a handy online response timer developed, courtesy of Maarten Zijlmans from @Trender! The timer is free for everyone to use, whether you’re training at home, at the gym or looking to improve your martial arts techniques.
With this timer, you can turn an ordinary workout into a challenging reaction training session. Instead of deciding for yourself when to move, you’ll be caught off guard by random signals. Ideal for Krav Maga, fitness and all sorts of other exercises!
How does the timer work?
It’s very simple:
- Choose the number of digits (1 to 4). The timer displays a random number. This determines, for example, how many repetitions you do or which movement you perform.
- Set the pace. Choose Basic, Medium or Fast. The higher the pace, the shorter the breaks and the more challenging your workout.
- Press Start! The timer starts straight away and displays a new number at random intervals.
You’ll receive both a both a visual and an auditory stimulus: you can see the number on your screen and hear it too. You can, of course, turn the sound off.
Would you like to practise your reflexes and punch combinations? Then try the following:
- Choose a combination of three punches: left jab, right jab and left hook.
- Set the number of digits to 3 and choose a pace Basic.
- Place your phone in front of you at roughly eye level, leaving enough space to move around.
- Turn off the sound and press Start.
Numbers then appear on the screen at random intervals:
- 1 = Only the left-handed one.
- 2 = Left and right direct.
- 3 = The complete combination, including the left-hand corner.
It’s a bit like trail running, but without a training partner!
Why is this useful? In standard shadow boxing, you decide for yourself when to execute a combination. With this timer, you have to react to an unexpected visual cue. This way, you not only practise your punching technique, but also your reaction speed and your ability to quickly recognise and execute the correct combination.
Extra challenge: Whilst shadow boxing, keep moving in different directions. You might want to turn the sound on so you don’t have to keep looking at your phone.
The timer is ideal for keeping fit too!
- Choose an exercise, such as burpees.
- Set the number of digits to 4.
- Choose a pace Basic.
- Agree on a training time with yourself, for example 10 minutes.
- Turn on the sound and press Start.
You’ll now hear a number between 1 and 4 at random intervals. That’s the number of burpees you have to do!
That way, you never know exactly when you’ll have to get back to work or how many repetitions you’ll be given. That makes the training varied and challenging.
Of course, you can also do other exercises, such as squats, push-ups or jumping jacks.
You can also use the timer for a simple but challenging reaction exercise.
Place four objects in front of you, spaced out, and number each one from 1 to 4.
Start the timer with the sound on. As soon as you hear a number, move as quickly as possible to the corresponding object, pick it up and put it back.
This helps you train, amongst other things, your reaction time, concentration, hand-eye coordination and the ability to quickly translate a signal into a movement.
Make the exercise more challenging by placing the objects further apart or increasing the pace.
Ready to give it a go?
The possibilities are endless. Use your creativity, come up with your own exercises and challenge yourself!
👉 Start the Taus Gym Reaction Timer
Have fun training! 💪